Pattern is fundamental in mathematics. After students know the basics of simple patterns - creating, continuing and making their own with shapes, colors and pictures, they will love learning to explore number patterns.
A great way to begin is for students to make simple patterns with objects and then ask them to use numbers to describe their pattern. Let students make patterns with blocks and counters and label the sets with number cards.
Our Pattern Penguin math craft provides a way to record number patterns in a fun and creative way. Start your lesson with a review of repeating patterns - where items are added in equal steps.
- show your students a pattern like the one below, where three fish are added each time
- tell students to explore some patterns like this one and give them some equipment
- encourage them to describe their pattern and label the growing total
- check their knowledge by asking them 'how many are you adding each time'
- regroup your class and ask them to share the patterns they created - they may have recorded some on paper or be able to describe them verbally
- record their patterns by writing them down as number patterns on a collaborative chart
- challenge students to tell you what the next number would be - how do they know?
To make a pattern penguin
- Ask students to select one of the patterns shared by the group and record it on a 'pattern penguin'.
- Cut all pieces (complete one page version also included with minimal cutting)
- Ask students to color the penguin pieces
- Glue the pieces together and record a number pattern!
- Let students describe their pattern rule in their own natural mathematical language.
If you are introducing number patterns to very young learners, start with a story like I Went Walking by Sue Machin. Brown Bear Brown Bear is another good one.
While reading, encourage students to keep track of the 'animal pattern' by counting how many animals on each page. Record the numbers in a box on a chart or whiteboard. As the story progresses, show the change to the pattern and how much was added to make it grow. Perhaps after the story you could use animal tokens to make more patterns.
You may also like some of our printable math centers for patterns
Having free-play equipment readily available is a great way for students to engage in regular pattern making. Take photos of the patterns made by students, print them out, talk about them as a class and then provide them for other students to copy for inspiration in their pattern making!
